294 - Assessing the Impact of Wait Times for Pediatric Dental Surgery

Saturday, May 24, 2025

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM MDT

Has Audio

Presenting Author(s)

Carrie Walton, DDS

2nd Year Pediatric Dentistry Resident
Yale-New Haven, New Haven, CT
Yale University School of Medicine
Hamden, Connecticut, United States

Co-Author(s)

LD

Lauren DiBenedetto, DDS, FAAPD, MPH

Associate program director
Yale-New Haven, New Haven, CT
New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Research Mentor(s)

LD

Lauren DiBenedetto, DDS, FAAPD, MPH

Associate program director
Yale-New Haven, New Haven, CT
New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Program Director(s)

MS

Michael Sultan, DDS

Program Director
Yale-New Haven, New Haven, CT
New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Abstract: The aim of this study is to assess the oral health-related quality of life of children and families awaiting dental care under general anesthesia (GA). Caregivers of children aged 72 months or younger, scheduled for dental treatment under GA at Yale-New Haven Hospital, qualify for participation. Anonymous completion of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) survey occurs on the day of surgery. This validated tool measures dental-related quality of life in children under six. Multivariate analysis of the relationship between wait times and ECOHIS scores includes subgroup analyses by demographic factors. Findings of this study aim to highlight the impact of prolonged wait times on oral health quality of life and support policies to expand access to pediatric dental GA services. Results may guide efforts to improve accessibility and advocate for timely care. Final data pending.

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